The defining skill of Saquon Barkley is his speed. It shows up in the way he can break big runs when given space and it shows up in his route running. The trait that makes Barkley stand out is his ability as a receiver. He not only is a good route runner as a running back, he can also beat defenders to open space. You have to also like his ability to improvise his routes when the play is extended. As a runner, he has excellent burst and acceleration. This plays to a zone running scheme which demands that the runner is given big holes.
His weakness is that he needs space to succeed as a runner. I find that he is not good at breaking tackles. I also worry about running him between the tackles. The place where he would succeed between the tackles is on draw plays and misdirections. He cannot be trusted to bang out a couple yards between the tackles in a running situation. This makes him somewhat of a role player. I would not consider him a third down back as he does not have the size or ability to square up against pass rushers.
I see Barkley as a scat back who is highly productive. The reason I would draft him over your typical scat back is his intermediate receiving skills are special. However, I do not see him as a complete back who could carry the load for three downs. I would pick my spots where I use Barkley in the NFL. His explosion and burst are special and they help him in college, but his lack of power will be exposed in the NFL. I have seen him mocked as a top five pick, but looking at him a year out, I would categorize him as a late first or second round pick. Early first round picks are reserved for complete backs.
Games Watched:
- Wisconsin (2016) Big Ten Championship
- Southern California (2017) Rose Bowl
- Ohio State (2016)
Previous NFL Draft Profiles:
- Sam Darnold (QB/USC)
- Josh Allen (QB/Wyoming)
